Community Water Battles at the 4th World Water Forum, the report back

Environmental Justice Coalition for Water, International Indian Treaty Council, International Rivers Network, and Winnemem Wintu Tribe host:

A report back event from the International Rallies in Defense of Water and the 4th World Water Forum



* Learn about the growing, international movement for water justice!
* Learn about the alternate forum organized in protest of the corporate-dominated, exclusive 4th World Water Forum!
* Hear stories from communities around the world struggling against water privatization, lack of adequate water services, and unsustainable government water policies!
* Strategize on ways for U.S. groups to support this growing movement, led by international groups and communities from the global South!

Communities across the globe joined together in March of 2006 to protest the growing, global water crisis. As global trade agreements continue to threaten the ability of communities to protect their own resources, corporations buy up more and more local water sources, and governments fail to protect the basic human rights of residents, U.S. groups must learn about and join this dynamic, diverse international movement.



Hear from people in California who attended the event and learn about ways to become involved in this exciting effort!



What was the 4th World Water Forum and the International Rallies in Defense of Water?



In response to the corporation and agency-dominated 4th World Water Forum, held in Mexico City, Mexican and international community groups and non-governmental organizations hosted an alternative forum.



The forum created a space for community groups to share their stories from the frontlines of the global water crisis. To kick-off the alternative forum, Mexican groups hosted a march of 20,000 people through the streets of Mexico demanding protection for the human right to water.



Why did international community groups protest this event?



The alternative forum protested the exclusive nature of the official 4th World Water Forum and the general exclusion of community issues at the international water policy-making level. The planning for the 4th World Water Forum excluded many Mexican community groups and the pricey entrance fee prevented many other groups from participating – registration for non-profits started at $240 US dollars and ranged to $600 dollars for an average Mexican resident.



While the World Bank, corporate water giants such as Suez and Coca-Cola, and government agencies debated topics such as new dams in Mexico and effectively collaborating with private companies in water management, communities outside the forum demanded respect for the human right of water, more sustainable water policies, and a stop to corporate control over water resources.



For more information, call Miriam Torres, Environmental Justice Coaliton for Water at (510) 286-8400

For general info, contact: http://www.comda.org.mx



PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS IMPORTANT EVENT!!